The study focused on improving the estimation of genetic models in plant breeding programs using multi-environment trials. Researchers developed a more efficient method, called the factor analytic model, to estimate genetic variance in these trials. By incorporating pedigree information and considering genetic relationships, they were able to better capture both additive and non-additive genetic variation. The study showed that the factor analytic model is a reliable way to approximate the complex genetic variance matrix in multi-environment trials, leading to more accurate selection of superior genetic material for breeding programs.